eighteen, going on nineteen, and let it go at that. Now say, about that
last bunch of cattle we shipped--"

Thus the ranchman would turn the subject. Not that Dave gave the matter
much thought, only now, somehow or other, the question seemed to recur
with increased force.

"Funny I don't know just when my birthday is," he mused. "But then lots of
the cowboys forget theirs."

The trail was smooth at this point, and Dave soon found himself close to
Len, who was driving ahead of him a number of cattle. With a start of
surprise Dave saw two which bore the Bar U brand.

"Hello, Len," he called.

Len Molick turned with a start. Either he had not heard Dave approach, or
he had pretended ignorance.

"Well, what do yon want?" demanded the surly bully.

"Oh, out after strays, as you are," said Dave, coolly. "Guess your cattle
and ours have struck up an acquaintance," he added, with assumed
cheerfulness.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean they're traveling along together just as if they belonged to the
same outfit."